H.B. officials target drug abuse after teen's death

HUNTINGTON BEACH – City and school leaders vowed to work with the community to target teen drug use after the death of a high school student, and they have started to deliver on that promise.

The Huntington Beach Union High School District on Oct. 1 launched a three-tiered program that officials hope will prevent further tragedy. The plan could include voluntary drug testing at high schools, bringing drug-sniffing dogs on campus and revising crisis response protocols.

Some measures already in place at Huntington Beach High include a 24-hour hotline, "Safe to Speak" and "Text a Tip" programs for students who may be struggling with addiction or know someone who is.

The program will incorporate an educational aspect as well as intervention methods, said Don Austin, the district's assistant superintendent of education services. But it isn't targeted just to drug use. Under-age drinking, distracted driving and teen stress management will be addressed.

"When something happens, it gives you a chance to evaluate things at a district-wide level; to look at the broader picture of at-risk student behavior," Austin said.

But some parents say they want more immediate action from city and school officials in clueing parents and students in on what they say is a dangerous drug trend in the community.

Family and friends of 18-year-old Tyler Macleod called for action after the Huntington Beach High lacrosse player died on Sept. 24 from what his parents say was a heroin overdose. Coroner's officials say it takes about three months to conduct toxicology reports.

"There is still stuff being bought, there is still stuff being consumed and nobody is aware," said Dave Macleod, Tyler's dad. "I'm not placing blame on anyone but it needs to be said and things need to be out in the open."

City Councilman Joe Carchio, who has been meeting with some Huntington Beach High School parents, said the city is focused on finding a solution but it will take planning and precision.

"It's a really emotional thing right now and everybody wants to figure out a way to attack this thing, but I think you need to step back a little bit and not rush into things," he said. "The community owes it to the residents and obviously the school district owes it to the residents."

Austin said the district is partnering with Huntington Beach police and the city to hold a community town hall meeting on Oct. 29.

While Macleod said he is grateful that the city and district are planning the community meeting, he and other parents want a chance to talk openly with officials and ask questions.

"They know there is a problem, but they're moving very cautiously," he said.

Carchio said it's widely known where dealers are targeting these teens, and Huntington Beach is not alone.

"You cannot beat these drug dealers at their own game," he said. "They're embedded too much in the community, and it's not only in Huntington Beach, it's everywhere else. If you're doing drugs, you know where to get them."

The Facebook page #redfortyler now has more than 2,000 followers. Members of the group have made T-shirts, stickers and wristbands to keep their message out there: "never again."

This was the phrase recited at Tyler's funeral on Oct. 3, drawing tears from some mourners at First Christian Church and inciting a promise to push hard for action.

Parents and students will gather on Monday at Dwyer Middle School to keep their message in the forefront of officials' minds by hosting a viewing party of "Behind the Orange Curtain," a documentary following the stories of local teens and their battle with addiction to prescription drugs.